Following my Father’s prompting, I read over this new section to get the feel of it. Then, I began again, more slowly this time, absorbing it. I paused to dwell on the three key words of healing, peace, and love. I read Hosea 6, and my Father taught me about these concepts.

The healing is opening to Him so He can give us the graces we need to compensate for our flawed nature. This must begin before there can be true peace between God and man. Otherwise, our nature would get in the way and prevent peace. Once there is peace, then love for God can grow in us.

I returned to the retreat material and learned of the best way to approach the Gospels—like a child hearing the stories for the first time. My Father showed me that this is important because the Gospels are so familiar. It would be so easy to think that I “know all that” and miss something that I’ve always missed.

As Fr. Peters suggested, I turned to Hebrews 11, that beautiful chapter about faith. My Father seemed to ask me to take a sort of inventory of my own faith in His promises, in our covenant, to provide for me and protect me. I found I had a weak spot, but I’ve given it to Him for healing.